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Marble & Granite
White Marble Gaining Popularity in Kitchens
An interesting trend is developing in the natural stone business and it signals a return in interest to some classic stones. More and more, homeowners and kitchen designers are calling for the use of white marble...Read More
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Manufacturing Strategies
Minimally Disruptive Product Design
There are always opportunities to add new products or make major changes to existing products, but both introduce a level of risk and often come at a cost which can be higher than prudent in a soft market...Read More
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Finishing
Special Crackle Finishing Effects
Have you ever had a sample of crackle finish handed to you by a customer? The finisher’s first reaction is most often one of fear and apprehension at the thought of having to produce a crackle finish. These reactions may be well founded. Read More
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Technique/Process
My Black Granite Countertop is Fading?
Your phone rings and the lady on the other end is yelling at you complaining about her black granite countertop that you installed for her about a month ago. She tells you that there are gray faded spot appearing all over it....Read More
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Green
Are Your Papers In Order?
Recent articles in the Wall Street Journal and other news media have brought to light some of the implications of the recently amended “Lacey Act”. Read More
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Material Selection
Paper Covers a ... Counter?
Paper clothes never made the grade, and paper plates are a one-and-done deal. So can anyone be serious about paper countertops? ...Read More
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Coatings
Choosing the Right Finish
Product design can have many meanings beyond the basic design of the product you manufacture. It can include the design of materials from your suppliers, the manufacturing process, cost, function, form, environmental, etc. Read More
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Green
What is Green for Countertops?
I love Kermit the Frog, how can you not? He has some very famous quotes and one of them applies to us and our industry. “It’s not easy being green!” I love it; and how true is that saying? ...Read More
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Productivity
Do You Test All Your New Hires?
These days it is so important to test all new hires for drugs. According to reports about half the new hires in the United States are now being tested. Checking with companies that do test, pre-employment drug testing shows a freighting 25 percent...Read More
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Design
Functional: The New Fancy
Or maybe casual is the new luxury? Any way you slice it, kitchens and baths are moving away from ornate styles and homeowners are embracing clean lines and simplicity. It’s not only true for kitchens and baths. This trend can be traced throughout the..Read More
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Troubleshooting
A Taste For Wood
The origin and evolution of styles in woodwork has been an ongoing interest of mine. The most popular furniture styles of all time originated in the 18th and early 19th centuries. In fact, this period of time is referred to as the “Golden Age” of furniture. Read More
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Techniques
YIkes, I've Got Wrinkles!
Fall is here and the little goblins will be knocking on our doors looking for treats. I love the signs of the season changes and Indian summer. However there is a part of fall that isn’t so nice, and that is when I start getting calls from customers in a panic because they have had a different kind of goblin showing up... Read More
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Marble Institute Awarded Two Power of Silver Awards
The Marble Institute of America's (MIA) Accreditation Program, as well as its Stone Slab Handling Safety Program have been awarded the Power of A Silver Award. The Power of A Awards are the premier program honoring associations that exemplify how the association community and its dedicated professionals are essential to a stronger America and world. more...
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Marmomacc Joins the 'ADI Gold Compass Award Collection'
Marmomacc, the International Natural Stone, Design and Technology Exhibition, in taking an “ADI Gold Compass Special Mention” joins the collection of the oldest and most authoritative design award in the world. more...
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Wilsonart Earns FSC Certification for Laminates
Wilsonart’s customers were increasingly seeking Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody (COC) certification for their own products to meet growing green customer demand. Among others, cabinet and furniture manufacturers wanted to use FSC Certified laminate components because their products would then qualify for the US Green Building Council’s LEED MR 7 credit. However, there were no certified laminates available on the market. more...
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